The story of America is the story of the struggle to expand human freedom.
The Shockoe Institute is a national organization dedicated to revealing the evolution of American racial slavery, its enduring impact, and using the lessons of that history to improve our civic life.
“It is important to me as governor, as a Virginian, and frankly as a mother of three kids, that we are honest about our full history.”
“Places like the Shockoe Institute are vital to this conversation. The stories that are told here have too often been lost or overlooked.”
-GOV. Abigail Spanberger
Centering history as civic remedy.
The Shockoe Institute reveals the full story of American racial slavery and puts that history to work, restoring the civic square.
The Exhibit
Our exhibit, Expanding Freedom, is located in the heart of Shockoe Bottom—once the epicenter of the domestic slave trade in the Upper South
(10,000+ sq. ft.)
The Lab
Through informal discussion and interaction, deep exploration with Library resources, and access to unique programs and performances, The Lab provides visitors the opportunity to extend their learning journey beyond what they’ve learned in the exhibit.
The Library
Our Library is an interactive digital storytelling experience, accessible from anywhere in the world. Our library features research, narratives, visuals, and educational resources that help visitors to put history to work.
Moving beyond our walls.
Digital Scholarship
Creating a global digital archive that democratizes access to the history of the domestic slave trade.
Youth Engagement
Developing curriculum and immersive media that empower the next generation of civic leaders to make positive change for a better tomorrow.
National Dialogue
Hosting "The Lab" sessions that bring together policy experts, historians, and civic leaders to solve modern challenges using historical context.
The Shockoe Institute will support efforts to leverage our nation’s past to advance an optimistic vision of the future.
“We find ourselves in a place where the future of a healthy multiracial democracy is being challenged in ways that I never could have imagined... but this gives me hope.”
-Richmond Mayor Danny Avula
Join the Shockoe Institute to use the lessons of history to improve our civic life.
